The Hales expressed their disappointment they never thought to ask some of the questions listed in my book when they applied to college and when their children were applying to colleges.

Based on what I heard, I will answer in this space, over the next two blogs, the questions the Hales wished they had asked.

Transfer Credits

After Tom was awarded an associate’s degree, he applied to transfer to a four year college and assumed all of his credits would transfer. No mention of transfer credits was included in his acceptance package. After numerous phone calls, Tom learned only three courses would transfer. He never enrolled in the four year college.

Takeaway: Be sure you have a clear understanding of how many of your college credits will transfer before you send in a deposit.

Application Acceptance

Sydney was one of the few female pilots in her state at the age of 17. Her high school guidance counselor never suggested her aviation skills, particularly at such a young age, could be a “hook” when applying to colleges. Sydney did not enroll in her first choice school but transferred after six months.

Takeaway: Be sure you and your guidance counselor agree on the best way to position your application for acceptance.

Financial Aid

When applying to college, Tom never applied for financial aid because he thought his family made too much money to qualify for assistance.

Takeaway: Regardless of your family’s income, always apply for financial aid. You may qualify for institutional aid, not based on income.